Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular
wood fireplaces used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or
ethonal fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any
fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your
fireplace electric.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.